Disney Fans from Louisiana

Louisiana Disney FansOne of the best things about taking Disney vacations is getting the opportunity to meet fellow Disney fans from all over the world.  I’ll strike up a conversation with people waiting in line for rides, sitting next to me for a parade or Fantasmic, and shopping in gift shops.  I seem to have one of those faces that invites people to talk to me.  I get stopped and asked for directions, asked about the pins on my lanyard, my Disney tee shirt, etc.  Raymond, Megan and Joseph are used to this and find it funny, if not highly entertaining, more often than not.  It means I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world!

I like learning about different cultures.  Even within the United States, there are regional WDW Parade Friends!differences in certain words for things, how we raise our children, how we interact with strangers and each other, what kinds of foods we cherish and so on.  These differences gave me the idea for today’s post.  We’re from Louisiana.  The South has some very strong regional traditions, cultural norms, and firmly held “ways” that make us easy to spot when we travel.  While not originally from the South (I’m mainly a Midwestern girl), I’ve been here 26 years which means I’ve lived in Louisiana longer than I’ve lived anywhere else and there has been plenty of time to adapt!

Next time you’re at Walt Disney World, you can recognize Southerners (and Louisianans) by a few telltale signs:

Meg and Joe at Disney's Hollywood StudiosOur children always say “Yes, Ma’am or Sir / No Ma’am or Sir” to every adult.  This is not because we’re especially strict parents – it’s a cultural norm so strongly prevalent and extremely important – children would be considered incredibly rude if they didn’t say it.  It’s an absolute must, just like please and thank you.  I’ve found that some non-Southerners find the ma’ams and sirs a bit alarming and may say, “Oh, you don’t have to say that to me.”…Southern kids DO have to say it.  To all adults, all the time.  That’s just the way it is here.

We rarely refer to our elders (or superiors at the office, even) by their last name.  Mr./Mrs. First Name is completely acceptable with the exception of school teachers.  Our children’s friends have always called us Mrs. Lisa (pronounced “Miss Lisa”) and Mr. Raymond.  It’s that way for everyone.

We rarely call our grandparents Grandma or Grandpa.  Oh, there’s a lot of variety in Waiting for Toy Story Midway Maniagrandparent naming, but those aren’t usually among the choices.  Mamaw, MiMi, Ma, Granny and PawPaw, Pa and Pops are pretty common.

In these parts, Soda/Pop is “Coke” like tissues are “Kleenex”.  You say, do you want a Coke?  Then follow up with which kind it will be if other varieties are available…Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Diet Coke, etc.  Also, a shopping cart is a “buggy”.  If inquiring whether or not you’re about to do something (like have lunch) we may say, “Are you fixin’ to eat?”  “Fixin'” to do something may be even further shortened to “F’in'” by some folks.

We make eye contact with everyone, we smile and wave to strangers, we stop in the middle of walkways and store aisles if we run into someone we know – we stop and visit.  We strike up conversations with complete strangers nearly everywhere we go.  Annoying?  Maybe, but since we move a little slower and take life a little easier than people in other places, it’s just the way we are.

Famly Pic on Rock'n' Roller CoasterWe don’t usually yell at one another in public.  Southern gatherings are pretty quiet affairs – although booming laughter, happy squeals, and good-natured teasing about rival football teams are completely normal.  Having a public disagreement would be considered completely unacceptable.  Yelling/lecturing children (or spouses) in public is rarely seen – we tend to use “the look” with our children to stop certain behaviors with the unspoken promise that misbehavior will be dealt with as soon as we get home.

On our last visit to Walt Disney World, we were in Epcot when I spotted a bad situation – a family in the middle of an argument.  Normally, I would never become involved, but I could tell what the problem was right away – they were lost.  The mom (of the formidable, robust variety) and kids (looking mortified and miserable) were walking several yards away from the dad (who was clearly distraught) – angry words were being hurled from the mom towards the dad.  Seriously, I wouldn’t normally butt in, but I was embarrassed for them all and feeling the waves of hostility passing back and forth (with me in the middle)…I found myself close-ish to the dad so I quietly asked (very tentatively)…”Could I maybe….help you find something?”  The relief on his face was almost funny – it seems they were looking for Soarin’ and we were almost to the Dad's Birthday at Walt Disney World (Disney's Hollywood Studios)entrance for the World Showcase on the Mexico side.  I turned around and (I know pointing is rude, but desperate times and all that) pointed toward The Land Pavilion, giving directions.  He thanked me and turned around to gather his family…while listening to his wife yell, from 10 yards away, “You were WRONG, weren’t you!!!!!”  Oh, well….One thing I can tell you for certain.  They were not from Louisiana.

How would we spot Disney guests from your part of the world?

For more information on Southern Slang – this is hilarious (and educational!).

 

Disney Resolutions – Mid-Year Checkup

1900 Park Fare - Meeting Pring CharmingAs hard as it is to accept (time really does fly when you’re having fun!), 2014 is half-over. Can you believe it?  Mid-way through the year is an excellent time to look back at those New Year’s resolutions and give a status report.  Maybe you resolved to eat cleaner, lose weight, or exercise more – Me?  I resolved to complete a list of Disney-related activities – this way, I’m guaranteed to have fun, eat delicious food, and be greatly amused all while feeling good about actually sticking to my resolutions!  See how that works?  No dieting or exercise required and I feel happy and productive!

So – Let’s look at the old January 1st list and see what’s been accomplished thus far….

1.  See These Movies:

  • Million Dollar Arm Ticket StubMuppets Most Wanted (3/21/14) – Been a huge fan my whole life – this is a can’t-be-missed movie for me!  The unresolved romance between Kermit and Piggy keeps me coming back for more. Complete!  Read the movie review here.
  • Captain America:  The Winter Soldier (4/4/14) – I’m diggin’ all the Marvel movies and I think the Cap’s aces.  Enjoyed it!  Read about it here.
  • Million Dollar Arm (5/16/14) – I am just a girl who cannot resist a good baseball movie.  Unexpectedly delightful and the review is here.
  • Maleficent (5/30/14) – Looks darkly intriguing – I think we will love to hate her!  Oh, Yeah!  I was entertained by this new twist on an old favorite and shared my thoughts here.
  • Into the Woods (12/25/14) – Have heard so much about this show – can’t wait to see it! Still on the to-see list!Disney's Maleficent Movie Poster

2.  Book a Cruise – I’ve got a place-holder (aka “dummy”) cruise burning a hole in my pocket.  Since August when we re-booked onboard (while sailing on the Magic in the Mediterranean) – We are anxiously waiting to Disney Cruise Line's Wondersee what the rest of 2015’s sailings look like before making a final decision.  Wishing for Baltic (tie in to Frozen).  As of right now, we are set to sail the Fjords of Norway on the Disney Magic next summer.

3.  Attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – I have wanted to do this forever.  2014 is the year!  Tickets purchased, we will knock this off the list in 108 days.Trying Different Disney EarHats

4.  Buy a Fancy New Earhat – sounds easy enough, but I have the most difficult time deciding on one – I always walk away with a Disney baseball cap instead.  Not this year.  No, sir.  After much trial and error, the winning (dare I say PERFECT) hat was located and purchased just a few weeks back.

5.  Eat This Food – I’m up for passing up old favorites and trying out some new places in 2014.  I’m thinking about these:

  • Be Our Guest – I know, right?  Everyone’s Disney's Flying Fish Cafe Exteriorclamoring to get in there – I’ll be lucky to score a visit, but I’ve heard so much great stuff about it.  I’m at least resolving to try my best to get in!  Scored dinner ADRs for October.
  • Flying Fish – I’ve never eaten here.  Chime in if you think I should ditch this plan in favor of something else.  Can’t believe it took so long to discover the incredible food and service!  Yum!  Read all about it here.
  • 1900 Park Fare – For a character meal it has always been Chef Mickey’s but now that we have “adult” children, I thought Lady Tremaine and the Steps might be a bunch of fun.  And fun it was!  We were not disappointed by the food or the company – see what happened here.
  • Hollywood Brown Derby – We have never eaten here and have always heard great things.  IMG_2382Even if we just sit in the new outdoor patio lounge – I’d like to give it a go.  We went and now we know – it’s got great atmosphere, good food, and abysmal service.  Sigh.

6.  Find and Trade a Pin to Complete This Set!  I love pin trading and in 2014 I’m gonna be in-it-to-win-it!  Yeah, Baby!  Watch out flying Orange Bird – you are mine!  A bird in the hand…makes me happy!!!  My collection’s complete.Disney Pin - Flying Orange Bird

7.  Ride the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train – Ugh.  Feels like the Fantasyland expansion has been going on forever!  I am riding this ride, dadgummit – get out of my way.  It was cute, it was fun, and it was discussed completely right here, YouTube video here.

8.  Try These Recipes:  (You may have seen my other posts on cooking Disney food here and here and here)  I like to cook – why not make it Disney food?  Thanks to AllEars.Net for the recipes.

9.  Try a Dole Whip:  They say confession is good for the soul – so now you know my darkest Disney Secret (one of them anyway)…I hid it way down here at #9 so maybe no one will notice.  I have never eaten a single bite of Dole Whip in my life.  Don’t judge me.  I did it!  I tried a Dole Whip and…..watch the video here.

10.  Take Better Disney Pictures!  To my shame, my Disney pictures are mediocre at best.  The great computer crash of 2009 cost me dearly and I just need to learn to be a better Pineapple Dole Whipphotographer overall.  I buy really small cameras because they’re easy to carry.  I’m not sure if I’ll actually dish out more cash on yet another camera, but I’ll do what I can to make the most of what I’ve got.  Promise.  Three cameras, my iPhone, and a new GoPro video rig allowed me to capture all the magic in a big way in May and I cannot WAIT to go crazy with the pics again in October.

So, there you have it – the mid-year status report!  Did you have any Disney resolutions on your list?  How’s it going for YOU?  

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Pixie-Dusted Rest-of-the-Year….Lisa

Disney’s Maleficent – Mostly Spoiler-free Review

Maleficent Movie PosterIt’s a fairytale, people!  Please keep that in mind when/if you see this movie.  I avoided reviews and comments about Maleficent prior to seeing it (promptly upon my return from Walt Disney World).  Then, afterwards, I let myself check out the widely varying opinions of others – and there are gobs of them that range from “loved it” to “it was complete trash” (or worse).

I’m not hard to please.  I like my fairytale movies to have plausible (yet completely impossible) elements – based on whichever reality in which the story takes place, characters with lots of flaws, valuable life lessons, good versus evil (and the blurry spaces in between) – all tied up with a nice neat happy ending.  If you fall in a similar entertainment-viewing category, you will like Maleficent just fine.  Oddly enough, the entire story reminded me of a gigantic episode of ABC’s Once Upon a Time – which was a plus since I’m just wild about that show!

I saw it in 3D and contrary to some other viewers’ opinions (really raging, angry opinions, to boot), I was not at all bothered by any of the CGI effects.  Quite the opposite, in fact.  I didn’t scrutinize them at all, but rather accepted the CGI characters and scenery in the spirit in which Maleficent Theater Posterthey were generated – to create a wonderful fantasy land in which our characters could carry on their story.

The casting was just fine overall.  Angelina Jolie was stunningly beautiful as Maleficent – breathtaking!  She owned that role completely from her gorgeous red lips to her perfect tone of voice – delivering each line precisely with the perfect amount of emotion – I could have closed my eyes and imagined exactly how she was feeling at any given time, but to look away from that face during the movie would have been impossible.  Maleficent-the-being grabs you from the first and pulls you in completely – to understand her, to know her, to love her.  Elle Fanning as Aurora was well done and I completely disagree with ridiculous reviewers who didn’t think her beautiful enough – she was.  Inside and out…the character was supposed to be a beautiful soul as opposed to simply a visual stunner.  Elle Fanning captured that perfectly.Maleficent Ticket

There were a bunch of reviews that groused about the plot – perhaps they searched too hard for pro-feminist politics or a deeper meaning for “true love’s kiss”.  I liked the story – I “got” the plot and felt it was neither too deep nor too shallow.  I found (this is me and my opinion) the movie to be visually stunning and thought provoking to just the right extent.

If you are looking for a deeply moving social commentary on women’s roles or unresolved childhood issues – please pass on Maleficent.  If you’re looking for a stunningly presented fairytale with all the right elements, interesting characters, and the perfect ending – dish out the $$ and see Maleficent on the big screen – in 3D if you can.

Have you seen Maleficent?  What’s your impression of the movie?

 

While I’m at Walt Disney World

Living a Disney LifeIt’s a poor practice to go away and leave things unattended.  There’s risk – it’s not safe.  I care enough about this little Living a Disney Life blog to try to look out for it.  I wouldn’t dream of leaving without making sure the place will be taken care of – Plus, I really care about you guys and I wouldn’t want you to go away empty handed should you happen to stop by while I’m out – you are a great bunch of people – you deserve top shelf reading material!

Keeping all that in mind as The Fam and I pack our bags, fasten on our Magic Bands, and mosey on down to Walt Disney World, I want you to know I’ve invited some friends over to take care of the place while we’re gone – and these are some pretty special friends, too!  While I’m off enjoying a Dole Whip and some churros, riding Expedition Everest and Rock’n’ Roller Coaster, feasting on dinners at Flying Fish and Tutto Italia – I will be leaving your Disney-blog-reading enjoyment in the very capable hands of the following Disney experts:Nick and Barbie - Disney Musings

Nick from Disney Musings Nick and his wife, Barbie are (like most of us) huge fans of all things Disney.  On the Disney Musings blog, Nick, Barbie, and a variety of guests share their Disney travel experiences, tips, reviews and magical memories.  Some of my favorite Disney Musings’ posts are ones where Nick and Barbie let us into their home for glimpses of their amazing collection of Disneyana.  And if it weren’t for Nick, I never would have found Beers and Ears!  Nick is also a contributing writer for Tips from the Disney Diva and Devos.

Heather from Disney for Five+ – One of the things I like most about Heather is that she’s nearly as old as I am and tends to really understand me and all my Disney-ness.  Heather’s blog focuses on tips for taking Disney vacations with large families.  She knows all the best places to stay, eat, and play at Walt Disney World – she posts not only helpful hints and reviews, but also tells great stories.  Speaking of which, Heather also writes books!  You can check out her Amazon author page here.

Rebecca from Disney with Me – Rebecca’s got a sense of humor that just won’t quit and is one of the hardest working people I know.  Like me, Rebecca loves Disney podcasts and is a fellow Muppet fan.  Blog posts on Disney With Me range from podcast reviews to Disney travel advice, reviews of other Disney blogs and more.  Rebecca’s a Disney travel specialist and would be happy (overjoyed, even) to help you plan your next Disney getaway – (see: Fairytale Journeys by Rebecca Kelly on Facebook).

Curtis and Lindsay - Geekin' on WDWCurtis from Geekin’ on WDW Curt and his Daughter, Lindsay, may be the new kids on the Disney Podcast block, but they are seasoned Disney travelers (and DVC members) who love Walt Disney World vacations.  The Geekin’ on WDW Podcast strives to give listeners a way to keep the Disney magic alive between vacations.  Curt and Lindsay share their family’s vacation stories, favorite rides and attractions, most loved restaurants and characters – all wrapped up in charming father/daughter conversations.

See?  I wasn’t kidding, was I.  Besides you, I’ve made some fantastic friends in the Disney community and am over-the-moon excited to have them as guests here while I’m gone.  I’m just sorry I’m going to miss all the fun.  Oh, wait!  I’ll be having a pretty good time myself, won’t I – what’s more fun than a trip to Walt Disney World?  Talk to you when I get back!